Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience! This Honey Dijon Pecan Chicken is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet richness of honey, the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, and the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressive weekend gatherings, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your cooking game to new heights.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. This will create the flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Place chopped pecans on a separate plate or shallow dish. Add salt and pepper to the pecans and mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well. This helps create a crispy exterior.
- Dip each chicken breast into the honey-Dijon mixture, coating all sides completely. Allow excess sauce to drip off.
- Roll the coated chicken in the seasoned chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure the nuts adhere to the surface of the chicken.
- Place the pecan-crusted chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The pecans should be golden brown and the chicken fully cooked.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional chopped pecans before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure the best possible pecan adherence and a crispy exterior.
- Toast the pecans lightly before chopping for an enhanced nutty flavor that will take your dish from good to absolutely phenomenal.
- Use a meat thermometer to precisely check the internal temperature – 165°F (74°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the pecan coating mixture.
- If you want a gluten-free version, ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free ingredients.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds or walnuts if pecans aren't your favorite, but pecans truly shine in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 679kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 144mg
